Johan David Kotze

Johan David Kotze is a University Lecturer at the University of Helsinki, affiliated with the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Ecosystems and Environment Research Programme, Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS), and Helsinki Institute of Urban and Regional Studies (Urbaria). He holds a Docentship in Environmental Sciences awarded in December 2013 and maintains an active research profile in urban ecology and environmental science.

His research focuses on urban ecology, biodiversity conservation, soil ecology, and urban sustainability, with particular expertise in urban grasslands, carabid beetle ecology, and ecosystem services in urban environments. Kotze investigates how urbanization affects ecological processes across different biomes, examining soil microbial communities, plant biodiversity, and the functional aspects of urban green spaces. His work bridges theoretical ecology with practical applications for sustainable urban planning.

Kotze's publications reveal a strong emphasis on cross-climatic comparisons of urban ecosystems, examining how similar ecological processes unfold differently across biomes. His research often addresses the tension between urban development and biodiversity conservation, with practical implications for urban planning and green space management. Recent work shows increasing focus on carbon sequestration in urban greenspaces and the relationship between intensive lawn management and ecosystem services.

As an academic supervisor, Kotze has guided numerous Master's theses and doctoral committees, with students researching topics including cultural ecosystem services of urban forests, carbon sequestration in urban park soils, and indicator species for assessing urban grassland quality. He is actively involved in multiple research projects including 'Carbon Conscious Greenspaces' and 'SKR/Alexander Stelzer,' focusing on sustainable urban development and environmental management.